HACIA U diversifies the construction Industry and answers the urgent call regarding the shortage of skilled labor.
Chicago, IL –HACIA, a construction advocacy, training and membership organization working to ensure the equitable participation of construction industry professionals, graduated over 200 new HACIA U program participants from its 2022 pre-apprenticeship and small business capacity training programs in Chicago, Aurora and Elgin. HACIA U, short for HACIA University, was created by HACIA to further prepare those currently in the construction industry and address the shortage of skilled labor and lack of diversity in the industry by providing free ongoing certified workforce training and small business capacity programming. All programs were offered in partnership with the Institute for Workforce Education at St. Augustine College, College of DuPage, Innovation DuPage and Elgin Community College through a grant from the State of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) at no cost to participants.
“We are committed to diversifying the construction industry and making a positive and long-lasting impact. Whether looking to get a start in the industry or to expand and grow, HACIA is an industry leader in leveling the playing field as it relates to workforce development and small business growth, said Jackie Gomez, Executive Director, HACIA. “It is only with partners like the State of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, local institutions and construction partners that we are able to successfully increase the number of individuals entering the growing and thriving construction and skilled trades.”
“I want to thank HACIA for its leadership and partnership with the Institute for Workforce Education at St. Augustine College,” said Illinois Deputy Governor Andy Manar. “HACIA has been a long-time champion for diversity in construction, and we are proud to fund this important work and help open doors of opportunity for the future. To the industry partners who have helped make this programming such a success – Escarpita Construction, ALL Construction, Gilbane, Power Construction, and our friends in the trade unions – we thank you for your continued support of the dedicated individuals in this room.”
“The Institute for Workforce education is proud to partner with HACIA to provide workforce training programs that change lives and create opportunities for career advancement to the communities we serve,” added Javier Garibay, Executive Director of the Institute for Workforce Education.
In partnership with St. Augustine College’s Institute for Workforce Education and Illinois Works, HACIA U offered free electrical and construction laborer Pre-Apprenticeship Programs in Chicago and Aurora.
HACIA U Pre-Apprenticeship Programs are designed to prepare individuals for entrance into apprenticeship programs in two construction trades: electrical and construction laborer. Participants can expect to earn necessary certifications such as OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research) and First Aid/CPR including broadening their skills, build their networks, and ultimately increase their career opportunities.
In addition to the pre-apprenticeship programs, HACIA U in partnership with IWE , Strategic Higher Ed, College of DuPage, and Elgin Community College offered free small business capacity training. These programs include Intro to Construction Management and Business Essentials for Construction, an innovative-online training platform that covers core competencies such as Operations Management, Marketing and Communications, Finance, Budgeting, Entrepreneurship and Project Management. Intermediate and advanced level classes are taught by industry experts.
HACIA U in partnership with Innovation DuPage also offered a grant funded Owner2CEO, a construction business accelerator program where individuals received a 12-week intensive training specific to owners and managers of construction-related businesses to give their business a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
HACIA U programs are funded by a grant from the State of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) at no cost to participants.
Those interested in enrolling for the next round should visit www.haciaworks.org
